Wednesday, March 24, 2010

We always spend some time during the holidays with my husband's family in Canada. Inevitably, my mother-in-law cooks up a storm and the menu always features my husband's favorite dishes. My absolute favorite is her carrot cake. This cake is moist, packed with flavor, and just perfect. Nuts and rasins give it texture. I like to think it's healthy - after all it has whole what flour, carrots and pineapple!

I like to let this cake sit at least overnight before serving. It just tastes better after a day or so - the flavor of the pineapple melds with the flour and cinnamon into that unique yumminess that is carrot cake. If you need a make-ahead dessert, give this recipe a shot.

In a medium bowl, combine carrots, coconut, walnuts, pineapple and raisins. Using a large wooden spoon or a very heavy whisk, add carrot mixture to batter and fold in well. Pour into pans and bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool in pans for about 10 minutes, then turn the cakes onto racks to cool completely.

Make the frosting:
Beat together the cream cheese. butter and vanilla. Add powdered sugar gradually to desired thickness and sweetness